Is A Google Console A Potential Game Changer?

There is finally some clarity to what some many people in the the recent weeks, call streaming the future for video games. How the next generation PlayStation 5, Xbox “Scarlett”, Nintendo Switch, will be the last generation. Leaks coming out of Google thanks to the brilliant folks over at Kotaku. It seems Google’s buying up Xbox and PlayStation executives and developers to make a hybrid streaming console called,”Yeti”. Is streaming really the future of games, or is this 2012 mobile games are the future all over again?

[PhoenixUp]

Of course not

[-Foxtrot]

Remember the Ouya, Shield, even the upcoming Atari

Pepperridge Farm remembers

[indyman7777]

ROFL!!!

Okay I have to say something. I remember getting all hyped for the Google Pixel Phone, then they announced the specs! Nothing like the rumors! But the Price was just like the rumors! Very high and but the specs are medium end.

You can do that as a new comer in the game space! First Nintendo was a powerhouse tech leader. First Xbox was a powerhouse tech leader. The first PlayStation was a powerhouse tech lead. Your trying to win fans over not run them away come correct with power and games or go straight home!

[CaptainOmega]

I would say don't write off anything until it's in the market.

It's possible given the right hardware and the right exclusives/third party support.

[cooperdnizzle]

Well anything is possible. Where are the first party games going to spring up from? You think Sony, M$ or nindetdo are going to let some new company take over their market share? This point in time, it’s to big of a risk for any new company to enter. If the market falls or crashes than you can have a company restructure the game market.

[CaptainOmega]

I'm not saying Google would change the game overnight, or even over a year; it would take a multi generational time-frame to make a big enough cut into marketshare. For me, I'd own a Playstation and Google platform if the latter was on par in terms of hardware and software.

This wouldn't be the Ouya, it would be built by billion dollar company. First Parties would obviously take time to build.

I like the Google Pixel. Haven't tried their laptops. Would be interesting to see a video game console.

[Retroman]

Who in their right mind would trade physical disc for digital stream games?? must we continue having these articles over and over and over??
I'll say it again..... Without physical disc I'm out. I need to see my games, hold my games.

[Muzikguy]

I sure hope it’s not. If it ends up being a game changer then the industry is headed in a direction I want no part of

[joab777]

Depends what they do. If they half ass it, and release something that plays Netflix and mobile games, then it’s dead in the water. But if they are serious and willing to possibly take a loss to get in the game, to get these consoles in ppl’s homes, then they could b very successful.

And if I am them, I am leveraging my strengths. I am creating a Switch-like console that also has Google Play. It’s a one stop shop on the go.

But it must also be at least as good as the X1X to start. Do this, and you will get some love. Ppl would love to be able to have a decent mobile device that plays Indies, AAAs and mobile games, as well as acting like a top notch Android tablet.

[Bobafret]

I smell another Ouya.

[Prince_TFK]

I do as well. But we got to remember that Google is not Ouya. They are a giant corporation and if they are deadset on doing something, they gonna throw money to achieve it.

[Mr_Luke]

I wrote something and then changed my mind. But one thing didn't change: no, i don't think it will be a game changer. I see it more like another flop :P

[StormSnooper]

It’s a flop is what it is.

[paintedgamer1984]

Google has the $$$ to make studios, buy developers, and give third partys incentives to release games on their pay, stream, or download program. But its still a big ? mark as i expected xbox gamepass to have much more 3rd partys. At the same time, why would 3rd partys want someone paying a sub fee to play their games when the norm nets them much more $$$. Unless it was digital purchase for 49.99 for new games and so on, then 3rd partys wouldnt care as thats what pc players pay, and esp if this google platform has steam. Thats a big deal. Google could very well shake up the entire industy and change gaming forever.

[PygmelionHunter]

I wouldn’t underestimate them, that’s for sure.

[paintedgamer1984]

I think many people will in fact underestimate them. A kin to how many people underestimated ps4 and then again underestimated the nintendo switch.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Who underestimated PS4?

[paintedgamer1984]

Microsoft and its +85 million gamers from the 360 gen? Even myself... i was wildly impressed how well playstation was able to bounce back compared to last gen. Most people (myself included) would have never imagined sony to have the runaway success they are having in gen 8. Its astonishing. 360 was able to capitalize on the ps3 mistakes and then exactly out the gate the ps4 was able to capitalize on the many mistakes the xb1 has made. Just as mesmerizing as the ps4 achievments are the xb1 mistakes...

[cooperdnizzle]

Anybody with half a brain could tell Sony was going to take the market back. M$ never had the culture. M$ still doesn’t know what gaining is about.

[letsa_go]

I'd be down for a google console. When Sony announced the first playstation, I thought it would go the way of the 3DO. I was wrong about that, and I think Google could have the same kind of luck if they play their cards right.

[princejb134]

New studios don't have the experience as the ones that been doing this for a long time. And you really think developers are going to jump ship to new studios.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Not predicting a runaway success and underestimating it are two different things. Nobody could have really expected to be on Pace with PS2, but The PS3 was an aberration in the PlayStation brand, for a handful of reasons. Only a fool would think PS4 would repeat last gen just because it happened. And to say 85 million 360 owners thought the same way is silly as hell.

[Muzikguy]

You bring up a good point about third parties with pricing and streaming services. That’s part of my argument as to why I don’t see this happening. Companies either lose money or people lose quality games.

[firelogic]

Nope. Especially if it's primarily streaming based. For it to be a game changer, they'd need to outright buyout EA, Activision, and Ubisoft or at the very least, make exclusivity deals with them for a period of 5+ years (all games exclusive to Google). If all they do is join the party, they're going to be DOA.

Plus, Google has a habit of starting things and not following through.

[NXFather]

Well even Google cannot predict how things will go after said starting things so there is not point in staying with a sinking ship. Also, critics should should say what they need to do in the beginning and then be referenced when their predictions are correct later. The bottom line is profits/revenue going up is all that is important. Truth be told those same critics can't lead a Google although they may get some guesses right that Google may have moved on from anyway. This is why we don't have any prophets out there being mentioned later for accuracy because they are all making it up as they go and don't really have the foresight to make that kind of money.

[gamer7804]

If they stick to streaming, then not a chance.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Is it's just a dedicated platform for Android games no, but if they make an actual game console and they buy AAA studios, then all of a sudden that's something to pay attention to, but not something I want to see happen.

[DivineAssault]

Depends on if they go and buy up studios. I hope they dont but if they did, it sure would be a game changer. There isnt enough room for 4 console makers though. One is going to die off

[NXFather]

Not right now but, there will be in the future.

[DivineAssault]

What are you talking about?

[NXFather]

I am saying the market will expand with the population into the future. Its not that hard to see that. Infact what did you think I could be talking about?

[DivineAssault]

I didnt get that from your comment so i guess i need hand holding. Not from you though

[NXFather]

Common sense. I can't hold your hand. No one will believe you if you did not get that from my comment!

[2pacalypsenow]

No..

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

No, 2 words - Apple PIPPIN.

[SilverDemon]

People laughed at Sony when they started.
Same with Xbox

My point is, you never know.If they can secure a good number of studios to make a good first party line up. They could stand a chance

New blood in the industry won't hurt at all.in fact, it could be a nice refresh

[Knightofelemia]

Streaming with games can get stupid in price the cost of the console, the cost of being able to play online, the cost of the of the good internet you need for the streaming of games which can get very expensive depending on the area you live in, plus the cost of the monthly and if you choose yearly fee for the streaming service for those games, plus the monthly fee those games charge to play online like say FF14. And who's to say that day one launches are guaranteed to even appear on those streaming services on launch. I am not shelling out that kind of cash for my hobby to keep me entertained I'll hang up my controllers if this ever happens or I'll just go back to the good old generations like Sega Saturn.

[Rimeskeem]

Potential... sure. Actual.... likely not.

[authentic]

Was the Google pixel a game changer? This will be the same result.

[Kaze24]

Game changer no.. M$ is already doing what Google will try to do and it's not gonna work, given M$ has more money than Google atm and it's somewhat struggling with the Xbox and considering how the steam machine pretty much failed, I don't see them making any kind of progress since people gonna stick to what they like, xbox, ps4 and switch.

[Twinblade]

If it's a real gaming console and has good looking exclusives and more powerful than current consoles, it could be.

[Derceto]

Ya, because Google has such vision in the gaming market, to just bust out with something so revolutionary. Anything involving cloud or streaming, can burn in a fire.

So I doubt Google has anything truly remarkable to give the big 3 any worry.

[PCgamer98]

They really need to make a big first impression like a console exclusive or a big third party game and bring the fight to sony/ms. If they rely on third party alone like steam machines did then this is just another flop in the making.

[SkippyPaccino]

dont know...google does have a lot of flops. I would be curious, they should buy xbox

[Veneno]

Its exciting to see a respected company like Google enter the market but they have to have the next big thing if theyre gonna succeed.

[Hardiman]

Not without talented devs! You can have all the money and a powerful console but without creative devs you got nothing!

[PiNkFaIrYbOi]

Who knows really, it all depends on how they go about it really.

[2cents]

Google don't really have gaming in their DNA, so this will more than likely be a corporate execution with no soul, don't need another 'me too' bit of kit. Between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, mobile and VR/AR, I think all the bases are covered.

Also, I don't have any more space under my TV!

[SprigganN4G]

If they buy Konami and invest A LOT in AAA exclusive games, yes, they will.